Pope encourages altar servers: grow closer to Jesus in the Eucharist

Addressing 55,000 altar servers who had gathered in St. Peter’s Square for his weekly public audience on August 4, Pope Benedict XVI said that their youthful enthusiasm made the Vatican “a happier place.”

“Serve Jesus generously in the Eucharist,” the Holy Father told the altar servers. Delivering his remarks primarily in German—in recognition of the fact that young Germans made up the largest single contingent in the international gathering—the Pope called attention to the example set by St. Tarcisius, who died defending the Blessed Sacrament. He encouraged the altar servers to nurture their own reference for the Eucharist. “You are fortunate to live near this great mystery,” he told them. “Carry out your task with love and devotion.”

Pope Benedict was holding his regular Wednesday audience for the first time since July 7, having cancelled the weekly sessions during a vacation at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo. The Pontiff flew to Rome by helicopter for the August 4 audience, returning in the afternoon to his summer residence.

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